The basement is one of the most underutilized areas in a property. Many homeowners don’t really use their basements for valuable, functional purposes. In fact, most basements are used mainly for storing old and unused items and nothing else.

Modern basements are so much more than that. There are clever ways to use the basement for different functions. One of the most popular ones is turning the basement into a man cave; an area where your partner can spend time with his friends or work on his hobbies. To get started with turning the basement into a man cave, here are some of the things you need to know.

Check for Potential Issues

Before you get started with turning the basement into a functional space, make sure you work with a construction company and have the basement inspected. Any sign of damp walls, cracks, and leaks are signs of potential problems; these problems need to be solved before you move forward.

A damp space caused by a leak in the plumbing system isn’t the ideal space for a man cave. The extra moisture can actually damage the furniture and electronics put in the basement as you try to use the space for a man cave.

Make the Space Functional

Just because it is called a “man cave”, doesn’t mean it needs to be an actual cave. Most basements are designed with minimum ventilation and not much light. These are the things you have to tackle first when doing a basement remodeling project.

Add windows to the top of the walls to connect the basement with the outside world. Alternatively, you can install a ventilation system to allow for better air circulation. The room needs to be comfortable enough for extended use.

Insulate and Soundproof

Extra insulation is always a good idea. It protects the space from moisture and heat, as well as the changing temperature of the environment. Since the room is actually underground, changes in climate cross over to the interior more slowly. This is another potential issue you can solve by adding an extra layer of insulation.

Soundproofing, on the other hand, is for your protection. When your partner spends time with his friends, you want to still be able to watch your favorite TV show in the living room. Soundproofing the basement is the way to go; don’t forget to install an intercom later so that you can still call your partner for dinner.

Bright Colors and Simple Accents

There is a simple trick that will help make the room appear – and feel – bigger, and that is by going for brighter colors when painting the walls. On the other hand, you can create a more relaxed atmosphere with darker colors or even black.

Here’s a word of advice: let your partner decide the rest. It is, after all, his man cave. Let him choose the furniture to add and the ornaments to hang on the wall. Your work in preparing the basement to be a more functional part of the house is done.